It is one thing to be clever and another to be wise

Though he had only been in Helovia for a short time, and many of the lands secrets and locations remained hidden to him, the Rotunda already captured a spot as one of his favorite places. The ancient columns and brook reminded him of the Rotunda's of home, they proudly sat atop the grassy mounds that littered the center of many of the small lakes and ponds. He had often visited them in hours of deep contemplation, the backdrop of priestesses raising their siren like voices in praise of their Gods and Goddesses. Sometimes, he would hear his mother among the voices, her voice would carry higher and more sweetly than the other pale priestesses, and would lull his mind and his troubled senses to a place of comfort and clarity.

Now he was doing the same here, but the Rotunda distinctly lacked the music he was accustomed to.

Helovia had also brought with it a new test, it seemed this land was full of believers and deserters of faith. Their reasons were their own, of course, and he saw no reason to discredit them if their justification was valid. Many turned away from Gods when they had been shaken, or when they had experienced great loss. Many also let their hearts harden and turn to stone, never again would they gaze upon the faces of their Gods, and it pained Alune to see those that did.
Gods may have  been capable of great atrocities, but they also were the source of great joy and blessings.


Lapis hooves entered the brook in an elegant stride, his silver strands cast themselves into the gentle currents, the scattered diamonds tangled within sparkled beneath the crystal waters. Misted creatures that had followed him sought the safety of his back, their forms curled against his velvet pelt while one or two chose to remain at his feet, their forms dispersing into vapor before they reformed into playful otters while the other took the form of an elegant swan. He had been surprised when they first burst to life at his feet, but he saw them as a sign from his Goddess, that she was watching and she was pleased that her people were thriving.

Lunar eyes had been transfixed on the crystalline waters he waded through until he caught sight of another visiting the Rotunda, she seemed to be on her own, seeing as he saw no other near her or in the grove. He slowed momentarily in his steps, had she heard him? Or was she as caught up in her thoughts as he was? He let out a breathy snort and made his way to step out onto the banks.

"Sorry if I have intruded, milady." He greeted, it seemed only polite and appropriate to apologize if he had stumbled upon her private time. Silver eyes gazed at her weathered hide and the scars upon her face and the broken horn. A warrior then, like the mares of home? They often wore their scarred pelts proudly, night sworn Valkyries whose fury was unmatched. He did not dwell on them long though, it was rude to stare after all. He moved to meet her glassy eyes with his pupilless ones, hoping that she could see he meant no ill will in the swirling orbs. His crowned head lowered in a brief bow as he stopped a respectable distance from her.

Somewhere in the back of his mind, he wondered if he had gazed upon her before. A member of his herd? He had yet to meet them all personally, but he often saw figures flitting in the misted mornings and afternoons within the sheer edged forest. Was she one of them?


"The Rotunda is a place I often come to clear my thoughts. Could you use the company?" If she said no, he would leave and return another time. Aware that his titanic height and appearance was off putting to most, from the reactions he had gotten from few others in his time in Helovia.